DIY Single Vanos tips????

[STLSinger]

My problem is lack of power, no noise as of yet. but the car is becoming a real dog.

i think im gonna tackle this myself. I actually worked as a tech @ Classic BMW in Dallas when i first got out of tech school. Its been a while, haha! Any tips or tricks or special tools? Any help would be great!

I checked the directions out from dr. vanos already. just wanted to hear some real input

[xisco44]

before doing the single vanos procedure looking for lack of power
please make a diagonostic first i did it on my car.

and it was nightmare

[GSA1]

read all about it here: http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures/index.html

[cal45fan]

Originally Posted by GSA1

read all about it here: http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures/index.html

+1000. I did mine and it was a snap. You need the special tools, though. I talked to a local indie about having him loan his tools. I put a $300 check deposit and when I returned the tools, he gave me back my check. Good luck.

[STLSinger]

that write up is awesome, thanks for the link! is there a way to check that the vanos is in fact need of a rebuild?

[fudman]

It depends upon the mileage. VANOS seals degrade as soon as 10-20K, usually a bit longer. Given that yours is a 1998, you definitely could use new seals. It should make a noticeable difference. Mine has 69K and I plan to do this next month. I have no major symptoms but suspect I have had a gradual degradation in engine performance.

You mention Dr. Vanos, which is very different from the Beisan replacement seals. The Dr. Vanos kit is a replacement VANOS and costs a bit more ($250-$375). The upside is that he will rent you the tools ($30). The Beisan replacement seals are only $60 or so. But you have to rebuild the VANOS yourself and Beisan does not loan out the tools. The unusual tools you need (32mm wrench and water pump pulley holder) are for the fan shroud removal. See the Beisan site for details.

[STLSinger]

I think im gonna go the Beisan route. how hard could it be to replace an o-ring? its like a tranny servo. probably gonna buy the tool kit as well. cant have enough tools.

I would eventually like to know this car inside out like i did with my mustangs

[GSA1]

Originally Posted by STLSinger

I think im gonna go the Beisan route. how hard could it be to replace an o-ring? its like a tranny servo. probably gonna buy the tool kit as well. cant have enough tools.

I would eventually like to know this car inside out like i did with my tangs

you're thinking is correct. the job is very do able and not hard at all if you follow the direction precisely. takes 4 plus hrs. results are superb, and you WILL know the car better in the end.